I don’t recall seeing a group shot like this before so thought I’d pull it together to share with a hopefully-appreciative audience…

From left to right:
• Sherwood M -14k case, 22j 770 mvmt, “American Walnut” dial, cataloged ’61-’62, retail priced at $175 (reduced to $150 in ’62!).
• Sherwood N -14k case, 17j 667 auto mvmt, “Mexican Mahogany” dial, cataloged ’61-’62, retail priced at $150 (reduced to $140 in ’62).
• Sherwood R -14k yellow case with “Benin” dial and 14k white case with “American Walnut” dial, both with 22j 770 mvmts, cataloged ’61-62, retail priced at $135 (reduced to $125 in ’62).
• Sherwood T –10kgf case, 22j 770 mvmt, “Teakwood” dial, cataloged ’62 only, retail priced at $79.50 (with strap, $89.50 with optional wood-inlaid bracelet).
• Sherwood S -10kgf case, 17j 748 mvmt, “Mexican Mahogany” dial, cataloged ’62 only, retail priced at $75 (with strap; $85 with optional wood-inlaid bracelet).
$175 in ’61 had the buying power of approx $1325 today!
Rene Rondeau researched and published a fascinating article on these watches (initially published as the cover story of the NAWCC Bulletin in June ’91; re-published subsequently within his Hamilton Collector’s Guide) –it’s well-worth tracking down!
Hamilton spent a significant amount of R&D effort sourcing the wood, developing the processes for reducing the thickness of the veneers (by half –down to 0.006 inches!) and forming them to the dial contours and developing an epoxy which would bond effectively without staining the veneers.
Only to have these watches fail to catch the eyes (and wallets) of the public.
I just can’t get enough of these fantastic time capsules, so when someone asks me, “Sherwood?” I can only respond, “Sure would!!”
Happy Hamilton Hunting,
Rusty